BRITISH LINES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 February 1942, Page 3

BRITISH LINES

OPINION IN LONDON CAUSEWAY STILL UNDER FIRE. EXACT POSITION UNCERTAIN. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 9.55 a|m.) RUGBY, February 12. The news from Singapore makes it difficult to draw a definite picture. The following, however, was the position at 4.30 p.m. British meantime yesterday, as understood in informed quarters in London. There was continuous heavy pressure along the whole of the western front. The enemy is using considerable numbers of light and medium tanks. British counterattacks were successful on the left but later the enemy attacked in great force and it became necessary to withdraw again. At the time of the report the situation at Singapore was stabilised on a line running approximately from the naval base across the northernmost of the two reservoirs and down by the racecourse to the vicinity of the village of Pasir Panjang, on the south coast. It is understood that the line ran north of the reservoir mentioned, Which would indicate this is still in British hands. The racecourse referred to is the old racecourse, about five miles north-west of the houses of Singapore city. The Japanese, according to this interpretation, could use the causeway again if repaired, but it is believed this is still under considerable artillery fire. NO REST DUTCH GUERILLAS ACTIVE BAGGING OFFICERS. i FIGHTING IN BORNEO. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) LONDON, February 12. Guerilla fighting in Borneo, where the Japanese are infiltrating down both coasts to attack Banj ermassin, has provided the tough Dutch jungle fighter with a grim sense of humour, says a Batavia correspondent. “We give them no rest. Night and day we swarm round their camps, fire a few shots, then disappear ghostlike in the jungle,” said an informant. “An Indonesian sergeant with a passion for shooting officers always waits to see which look the best fed and shout the loudest because he reckons they are probably the most senior. “He bagged three in one house. The first man who stood at the window to look out was shot. The second came to the window to see what was going on and was shot. “Yet a third appeared. He went the same way and the remainder hurriedly left by the back door.” A small patrol of Punjabis had the good fortune to find Japanese bathing. They opened fire and two officers Standing on the riverbank took to their heels. The Punjabis killed 26 Japanese. Large forces of Japanese apparently have landed at Banjermassin and communication with the garrison there has ceased. HEAVY CASUALTIES INFLICTED ON ENEMY FORCES. FIGHTING ON SALWEEN RIVER. LONDON, February 12. Rangoon reported that the Japanese landed a further strong force from boats north-east of Martaban. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the invaders east and west of Martaban. Today the Rangoon headquarters stated that our troops operating on the Indo-China border yesterday came into contact with Thai troops. The enemy was repulsed, leaving casualties and munitions behind. An R.A.F. communique states: “In support of our ground forces yesterday our bombers, supported by Allied fighters, bombed the Martaban area. The R.A.F. also bombed Changrai, in the extreme north of Thailand. Reconnaissance of enemy territory was carried out.” ' The head of the British military mission in Chungking has announced that Chinese forces participating in the defence, of Burma clashed with the Japanese for the first time yesterday.

ENEMY SHIP ON FIRE

SUCCESSFUL AUSTRALIAN AIR ATTACK. LONDON, February 12. A Canberra message, giving details of the previously reported raid on enemy transports at Gasmata, says that the attacks were made from mast height, and at least one vessel was hit. It was left burning over half its length. The Australians were engaged by enemy fighters, one of which was brought down. Two Australian planes did not return. RELIEF EQUIPMENT BEING USED BY JAPANESE. SENT AFTER TOKIO EARTHQUAKE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 12. A United States war communique asserts that some of the Japanese troops in the Philippines are using United States Army equipment which was given to the Japanese Government in 1923 after the Tokio earthquake. It is stated that General MacArthur's troops captured several specially-built barges on the west coast of the Batan Peninsula containing/life-saving and other equipment marked “United States Army Transport Mearri.” This equipment was included in the aid given after the Tokio earthquake.